Reece James will return to the Chelsea starting lineup when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
Chelsea will aim to continue the perfect start to the 2026/27 season and face an early test of their Premier League title credentials when they lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday evening. Xabi Alonso has a new fitness issue to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
The Spanish tactician has been sweating over Moises Caicedo’s fitness after the Ecuadorian midfielder sustained another issue during his brief appearance against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. Additionally, Jordan Henderson (wrist) and Marco Palestra (knock) remain in the treatment room.
Otherwise, Alonso has a full-strength squad to take on Arsenal in the marquee fixture of Gameweek 3 of the 2026/27 Premier League season. During his pre-match press conference, the Spanish tactician provided a fitness update on Caicedo, giving very little away about the Ecuadorian midfielder’s progress.
The Chelsea manager said, “We will check tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last decision for the squad on Sunday. We need to not be worried. These things can happen and we need to check. Tomorrow we will make the final decision.”
Alonso also discussed Emmanuel Emegha’s progress, with the summer arrival yet to feature this season. He said, “I see him [Emegha] playing on the last line, and when he has space he is a big threat. He has been here for a few months and had an injury that meant he missed part of pre-season, unfortunately for him. But he’s young, and he has very special qualities.”
Emiliano Martinez is an automatic pick between the sticks, with Chelsea lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Arsenal on Sunday. The central defensive unit will feature Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana, with Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato being the two wing-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Reece James should line up alongside Malo Gusto in the central areas, with Caicedo unlikely to be fit enough to start. Finally, Joao Pedro will lead the line for the West London outfit, with Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers completing the numbers in the offensive unit. So, Valentin Barco, Danny Welbeck, and Pedro Neto will be among the backup options on the bench.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Gusto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Joao Pedro, Rogers
